Tilikum Summer Health Experience
Tilikum Webinars
Join one of our upcoming Tilikum Summer Health Experience webinars hosted by Program Director Shandee Dixon, MS, PhD and Program Manager Alethea Barlowe, MS.
December 12, 2025
1:00 - 2:00pm pst
Tilikum Office Hours
Join one of our weekly Tilikum Summer Health Experience office hours sessions every Wednesday from January 7 - February 4, 2026.
Virtual office hours will be open from 12:00-1:00pm pst.
Office Hours Dates
January 7, 2026 from 12 - 1 pm pst
January 14, 2026 from 12 - 1 pm pst
January 21, 2026 from 12 - 1 pm pst
January 28, 2026 from 12 - 1 pm pst
February 4, 2026 from 12 - 1 pm pst
Complete this form to request more information and connect directly with the Tilikum team!
About the Tilikum Summer Health Experience
The Tilikum Summer Health Experience is a free 5-week hybrid summer enrichment program specifically designed for American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) undergraduate college students (primarily freshman and sophomores). Through a combination of virtual learning and in-person experiences, students will receive academic training, mentorship, and hands-on exposure to the health professions, all while staying connected to their cultural identity.
Tilikum is hosted at Portland State University (PSU) in partnership with OHSU, the Northwest Native American Center of Excellence (NNACoE), and the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) as part of the Minority Serving Institutions Pathway Initiative (MSIPI). This initiative honors and incorporates the rich cultural values, traditions, and heritage of American Indian, Alaska Native, and African American communities, providing a culturally responsive and supportive environment.
Program Dates
July 6 - August 7, 2026
2 weeks of virtual programming
3 weeks in-person in Portland, OR
Program Overview
The Tilikum Summer Health Experience offers a unique and immersive experience for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) undergraduate students interested in health professions. The program combines academic enrichment, professional development, and cultural engagement to prepare students for future careers in healthcare while staying connected to their Indigenous heritage.
Tilikum features two weeks of virtual programming followed by three weeks of in-person activities at PSU and OHSU. Students will engage in core science courses, cultural wellness activities, clinical shadowing, and professional development workshops, all within a supportive and culturally responsive environment.
Clinical Experience
Students will have hands-on opportunities in PSU’s Labs and OHSU’s Simulation Center, shadowing healthcare professionals in medical, dental, and public health settings. The program also includes specialized training in areas like Tribal Opioid Response, led by the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board.
Health Profession Tracks Offered
Medicine
Program Components
Academic Enrichment
Core Science Courses: Strengthen your understanding of Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology and Public Health/Biostatistics.
Learning Skills Workshops: Improve your study skills, time management, and group learning techniques, ensuring your success in challenging academic environments.
Health Policy and Disparities: Learn about the healthcare challenges facing Indigenous communities and explore how health policy can address these disparities.
Community Research Projects: Gain hands-on experience through small research projects focused on health disparities in AI/AN populations, giving you a deeper understanding of public health issues.
Indigenous Health & Wellness (IHAW)
Cultural Wellness Activities: Participate in activities such as powwow yoga, plant medicine workshops, and other wellness activities rooted in Indigenous practices to promote balance and resilience.
Cultural Site Visits: Visit important Indigenous sites like the NAYA garden and the Grand Ronde Cultural Resource Office, connecting with Native-led health initiatives and learning how culture impacts healthcare delivery.
Mentorship: Build strong connections with AI/AN healthcare professionals, who will offer personalized guidance throughout your journey. Your mentorship will extend beyond the program with your mentor/RAs and the Bridge Manager, providing long-term support.
Professional Development
Clinical Experience: Get hands-on practice in PSU’s Labs and OHSU’s Simulation Center, learning key clinical skills while working alongside healthcare providers.
Shadowing Opportunities: Shadow healthcare professionals at OHSU and get firsthand experience in medical, dental, and public health settings.
Opioid Response Training: Participate in a Tribal Opioid Response Training led by the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, giving you critical tools to address health issues.
Social and Cultural Activities
Welcome Dinner: Meet your fellow participants, mentors, and faculty at the Welcome Dinner, which kicks off the in-person portion of the program.
Closing Ceremony: Celebrate your accomplishments at the Closing Ceremony, a powerful event that reflects on your growth and prepares you for future academic and professional success.
Explore Portland: Experience Portland’s culture with activities like food trucks, outdoor concerts, farmers markets, and more.
Why Join Tilikum?
It’s a fully funded opportunity — no cost to students.
You’ll earn a $1,000/week stipend, free housing, meals, and travel assistance.
You’ll gain real-world health experience, mentorship, and cultural connection.
You’ll build community with other Indigenous students from across the country.
You’ll develop confidence, academic strength, and a clear path toward a health career.
Eligibility for Tilikum Summer Health Experience
Must be an AI/AN undergraduate college student interested in health professions.
Financial Assistance
Stipend - Each student will receive a $1,000 stipend per week ($5,000 total).
Meals - A meal allowance will be provided during the in-person portion of the program.
Travel - Need-based travel assistance of up to $500 will be provided to help cover travel to Portland for the in-person portion.
Living
Housing - Housing is FREE. Participants will be housed in PSU dormitories during the in-person segment.
Apply
Online applications open November 1st, 2025
Application Deadline February 5th, 2026
Decisions are Released March 15th, 2026
Contact
Contact the Tilikum Summer Health Experience Program Manager Alethea Barlowe at barlowea@ohsu.edu for more information.
FAQs
Immunizations: Are students required to be immunized before arriving in Portland?
Yes. Students must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, and measles vaccination is required to live in the dorm. For clinical shadowing purposes full vaccination including MMR, TDap, Chx, and TB test are required.
Academic Credit: Do students receive academic credit for participating in the Tilikum Summer Health Experience?
No. Academic credit is not provided to Tilikum participants.
Cost: Is there a cost to participate in the summer program?
No, this program is free. Students are provided a small stipend during the 5 week program. Free room and board.
Hosted By
In Partnership With
